Information for Students

We recommend that students reach out to the DRC a month before your first term at PSU. Setting up accommodations early will help ensure you have what you need on day one of your first term.  Students who plan to request disability-related accommodations in University Housing should plan to do so by the deadlines provided by UHRL.

Fill out the Online Application

To begin setting up accommodations, fill out the application in our Student Portal. Our Application for Accommodations video will show you how, or you can contact the DRC at 503-725-4150 for help. This application is short and helps get you set up in our accommodations management system before your first appointment. After you complete the application, you’ll get an email at your PSU email address inviting you to set up an appointment with us.  

Schedule a Meeting with an Access Counselor & Consultant (AC&C)

Students requesting accommodations meet with an Access Counselor and Consultant (AC&C) to set up accommodations at PSU. You can book an appointment online, or call our front desk for assistance at (503) 725-4150.  These appointments take 30 to 50 minutes.  If you need more time, you can always book another appointment.  

• Schedule an In-Person Initial Appointment
• Schedule a Phone or Virtual Initial Appointment

Meet with an Access Counselor and Consultant (AC&C) 

In your meeting, you and the AC&C will talk about the disability-related barriers you experience, accommodations that have been helpful in the past, and consider accommodations to support your education and university experience.  

Your AC&C will let you know if we need additional information or documentation of disability from a professional.

Your AC&C will set up your profile in the DRC system and send a summary of your accommodations and next steps to your PSU email.

Each term, students must log into the DRC student portal and activate their accommodations for each class.

The DRC system will generate and send Faculty Notification Emails to each of your instructors. A copy of each email will go to you as well. These Notification Emails identify you and list the accommodations you have requested. However, these emails do not give instructors information about your disability and you’re not required to disclose that information outside of the DRC.

Important: Accommodations start at the time your DRC Faculty Notification Email is sent and do not apply retroactively. Faculty cannot implement accommodations that they don’t know about.  Some accommodations may take time to implement.

DRC Student Portal Tutorials

• Application for accommodation
• Enter your service request to activate your accommodations
• Modify your service request to add or remove accommodations

• Accessible Furniture
• Alternative Formats (Reading)
• Alternative Testing
• Assignments
• Classroom Access
• Communication Access

If you need a support animal or other accommodations in PSU Campus Housing, please visit our Accessible Housing page for more information.

When should I contact the DRC?

We recommend that new students contact the DRC at least a month before their first term on campus. September, October, and November are exceptionally busy and students may wait several weeks for an appointment. Accommodations from previous schools will not automatically transfer to PSU, and accommodations are not retroactive.

What should I do if I’m not sure I have a disability?

If you’re not sure you have a disability, we encourage you to meet with us. We will work with you to determine if you are eligible for accommodations, or direct you to resources.

Is my disability information confidential?

Visit our Confidentiality webpage to better understand what is and is not considered confidential information, who has access to DRC records, and our disclosure and mandatory reporting obligations.

Do I need a diagnosis to set up accommodations?

This determination is made on a case-by-case basis, and we recommend you schedule a meeting to discuss what you need. We may be able to provide referrals and resources if you are not eligible for accommodations.

Can I get documentation or records from my previous school?

Call your current or previous school's Disability Resource Office to request that they send documentation directly to you. You can then forward it to our office. Alternatively, you may fill out a Release of Information (ROI) form with the DRC. We will send the completed form to your previous school to request the information on your behalf.

How do my instructors know I have accommodations?

Instructors are not automatically notified of your accommodations. This video tutorial will show you how to log into the DRC Student Portal to enter your Service Request.  

Can I have accommodations if I study abroad?

Accommodations may be available for you while you’re studying in another country. However, the accommodations may be different from those you receive while studying at PSU domestically. To discuss anticipated accommodation needs please contact your DRC AC&C, or see more information on the Students with Disabilities Abroad webpage.

Can I get accommodations if English is not my first language?

Being an English language learner is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a student is not disabled, we will not be able to provide accommodations. However, students who are unsure whether they have a disability should still reach out to the DRC.

The Disability Resource Center is hosting student-led affinity groups to highlight and empower the diverse lived experiences of the PSU community. This program is driven by disabled students, centering themes and activities related to disability identity, however with collaboration it can become what members want it to be. Participation is open to all students regardless of DRC registration or disability status. There are three groups, each with in person and remote options: neurodiversity, disability advocacy, and social.

If you have questions or want to learn more, please contact the DRC.

IMPORTANT: For privacy, remote meetings for affinity groups are restricted to people who are logged in with their pdx.edu account only. Use SSO (pdx) to sign into Zoom to join a meeting.

Affinity Groups for the 2024/2025 Academic Year

Neurodiversity Group

• Thursdays 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. in DRC Safe(r) Space (116 Smith)
• Contact Andrea or Rachel for remote access

Social Group

• Wednesdays 12:00 -1:30 p.m. in DRC Safe(r) Space (116 Smith)
• Contact Andrea or Rachel for remote access

Advocacy Group

• Wednesdays at 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. via Zoom

By bringing awareness about ableism and systemic oppression, the DRC makes space for the disability community. We value intersecting identities and perspectives that influence who we are and how we interact with our community. The DRC is committed to interrupting ableism, racism, ethnicism, heterosexism, cissexism, ageism, xenophobia, anti-fat bias, and all other systems of oppression and marginalization. We invite the disability community to join us in this commitment.

Our goal is to maintain a culture of respect. We demonstrate respect in the following ways:

• Recognize that language is powerful and impacts people in different ways
• Acknowledge the difference between intent and impact
• Challenge your assumptions about others
• Encourage growth by calling in
• Be accountable for yourself and what you bring to the community
• Listen to others’ experiences and learn from them
• Take action to reduce ablest behavior
• Respect other’s vulnerability and avoid harm whenever possible

"If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."
-Lilla Watson 

Visitors to the DRC are welcome to spend time in the Safe(r) and Quiet(r) Spaces. The spaces have LED lights, a wheelchair charging station, and  adaptive technology available on every computer station.

The space includes art by and about disabled people and is full of wonderful little surprises that help to ensure that there’s something for every person who wanders in and wants to call this space home.

The Quiet(r) Space features computers, adaptive technology, and soft seating where students can catch up on homework and relax in a quieter environment.